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Rick Gibbs: True to His Word

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

After more than four decades in the garage door industry, Rick Gibbs still enjoys a challenge. Whether he’s improving a home’s appearance, solving a difficult installation problem or creating space for a growing car collection, he takes pride in finding solutions that others may have overlooked.

Rick entered the garage door industry in 1980 after a friend invited him to work for a local company and quickly discovered that the trade combined several things he enjoyed: construction, creativity and the opportunity to improve people’s homes. He started taking on installation jobs in his spare time, so when his employer announced an upcoming layoff, he took it as a sign to get his contractor’s license and establish his own company.

With an existing network of contractors already seeking Rick’s services, it didn’t take long for R & P Garage Doors to gain momentum after opening its doors in 1996. “I didn’t want to work for anybody else and I had a lot of people who wanted me to help them with their garage doors,” he affirms. “I didn’t have to worry about being laid off due to budget cuts—I controlled my own destiny.”

Today, Rick’s work includes garage door installations, repairs, maintenance and replacements, as well as specialized projects that require a little extra ingenuity. “When somebody says it can’t be done, I get excited because I know I can figure it out,” he says. “For example, I meet a lot of car guys who need a place to keep multiple vehicles, so I’ll install a lift that turns a two-car garage into a four-car garage. That type of work is fun for me.”

Regardless of the project, Rick believes customer satisfaction starts with clear communication and a willingness to stand behind his work. If an unexpected condition affects a job, he takes the time to explain the issue and find a practical solution, even if it costs him additional time or money. “My reputation is everything to me,” he affirms. “I always want my name to represent a quality product and installation. If there’s a problem, I’m going to be there to correct it.”

A longtime resident of the Greater Bay Area, Rick currently lives in Tracy with his wife, Pam, where they enjoy spending time on their two-acre property that’s surrounded by almond orchards. Outside of work, he enjoys visiting with his three adult children and three grandchildren, attending car shows, playing golf, and hunting pheasants and ducks.

For Rick, the same principles guide his personal life and his approach to business: honesty, dependability and staying true to his word. “Your word is everything, so don’t be afraid to say how you feel,” he offers. “You have to be true to what you believe in.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: A 2026 Corvette ZR1. It’s a 1,000-horsepower, mid-engine car that rivals Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you visit the past or the future?
A: I’d go back to the mid-1970s. Life was good back then.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: I’m a Bay Area guy, so I like the 49ers, Giants and A’s. I also still follow the Raiders, even though they moved to Las Vegas.